A truly remarkable and historic wedding venue, Thomas Prior Hall in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, offers a plethora of attractive details for your celebration. The venue is adjacent to the Four-Star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge and is renowned for its distinctive attributes, Victorian architectural style, and enchanting surroundings.
Dublin 4 is one of the most exclusive postcodes in Ireland, and Thomas Prior Hall rubs shoulders with the prestigious Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and Aviva Stadium, just to the south of Dublin City centre.
Originally constructed during the 1880s, the building served as a masonic girl’s school. Over time, it underwent restoration and transformation into a highly sought-after wedding venue. Thomas Prior Hall itself, was the dining space for the school’s girls and throughout the room, the original features have endured. The building held its educational role within the Masonic Society until the 1970s, even receiving a visit from Queen Victoria in 1890.
The architectural vision behind the school was brought to life by the collaborative efforts of John McCurdy and William Mansfield Mitchell, an architectural practice. These architects also designed notable landmarks like the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, and various halls within Trinity College Dublin including the Anatomical Museum, The School of Physiology, and the Chemistry Building.
The venue boasts an array of architectural intricacies such as stained glass windows and a copper-roofed tower. Inside there are distinctive elements such as a separate porch entrance, mosaic tiled floors, an impressive vaulted wooden ceiling, oak-panelled walls, a choir balcony, chandeliers, built-in uplighters, a private kitchen and bar. As well as an outdoor seating area, there are meticulously maintained gardens and a water fountain.
For eco-friendly couples, it’s worth noting that the team have undertaken some conservation initiatives in the grounds and buildings as part of their biodiversity action plan – installing bird boxes, composting, creating a vegetable garden, and the rewilding of several areas. Pesticide-free and water-conserving, they have their own greenhouse on site, in a disused part of the hotel. Recognised for their dedication to environmentally conscious practices, both Thomas Prior Hall and Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge were awarded the Gold Green Tourism Award in 2023. This commitment is carried through to their eco-friendly packages and elevates it beyond a venue into a hub of eco-conscious celebration.
It’s worth noting that Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge received an accessibility rating of 8.1 from Mobility Mojo.
With a capacity to accommodate up to 140 guests for ceremonies and celebrations, the hall ensures an intimate atmosphere with just one wedding hosted per day. The adjacent Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, provides convenient accommodation with 334 rooms on-site. Conveniently, there is a secure underground car park on the premises. However the location is also well served by public transport being proximate to bus routes to the city and airport, a light rail station and well situated for taxi access.
Embarking on your wedding journey at Thomas Prior Hall is stepping into a realm where dreams are woven into reality with meticulous care and artistry. The day commences for you in the elegantly appointed bedrooms of Clayton Hotel, in comfort and anticipation.
The grandeur of Thomas Prior Hall unveils itself, as you cross its hallowed threshold through the iconic double entrance doors to exchange your vows.
Following the ceremony you are offered the choice of an outdoor drinks reception on the lush lawns or should the weather take a turn, the Atrium Lounge stands ready to host the gathering in luxurious comfort.
The culinary mastery that is your 5-course banquet is served beneath the glow of chandeliers and candelabras, casting an otherworldly aura upon the proceedings long into the evening.
The end of your magical day finds you in the wedding suite, where comfort and luxury intertwine, providing your sanctuary of calm as newly weds.
Encapsulating both luxury and elegance, the wedding package includes the following – a welcome reception with prosecco, a customisable 5-course dinner menu, half a bottle of house wine per guest, evening refreshments, Chiavari chairs, linen tablecloths, candelabras, an integrated PA system, personalised menus, and a late bar extension. Also included are a complimentary menu tasting, use of the wedding suite on the night of the event, and a free stay on the first anniversary, alongside special lodging rates for guests and the guidance of a dedicated wedding coordinator.
For instance, Sarah and Albie shared their experience:
“Thomas Prior Hall exceeded our expectations as a wedding venue. Both of us and our guests were highly impressed by the food quality and impeccable service. The building’s location and architectural elegance captivated us. Our ceremony and reception were held in the hall, with the drinks reception taking place in the grandstand courtyard. The garden also provided picturesque photo opportunities. The bridal suite was exceptional. Our needs were met across the board, from early check-in to hall access for decorations, wheelchair accessibility, microphones, and more. We had a fantastic celebration and cherished every moment.”
Credits: Wild things Wed, Fraser Stewart Photography, Couple Photography, ID Photography
